The Trump administration has revoked Harvard University’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). This decision bars the university from admitting international students for the 2025–2026 academic year. International students who are already at Harvard, holding F or J visas, will need to transfer to another school or risk losing their legal status in the U.S.
This dramatic move was revealed by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. She posted a copy of the revocation letter on X (formerly Twitter). Noem’s message clarified that Harvard had failed to meet federal reporting requirements. As a result, the university faces severe consequences.
Legal Justifications or Political Retaliation?
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims the revocation is part of an investigation into Harvard’s noncompliance with federal laws. Noem justified the action, stating that the university’s failure to comply with basic regulations left her no choice. She also accused Harvard of promoting anti-Americanism and antisemitism, along with alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party. 
“This decision should not be a surprise,” Noem said. “We must hold institutions accountable for their actions. Harvard must comply with U.S. law.”
Harvard Strikes Back
Harvard responded swiftly to the revocation. A university spokesperson labeled the decision as “unlawful.” They reiterated that the university remains committed to its international community.
“We welcome students and scholars from more than 140 countries,” the spokesperson stated. “This retaliatory action is harmful to both our campus and our academic mission.”
Harvard’s president, Alan Garber, expressed strong opposition in April. “No government should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they admit, or what areas of study they pursue,” he said. Garber emphasized that the revocation violates both the First Amendment and federal laws such as Title VI.
Faculty and Student Reactions: Outrage and Concern
Many Harvard faculty members are deeply concerned about the impact. Pippa Norris, a professor at the Harvard Kennedy School, said the decision will harm the quality of education. “Around 90% of my students are international,” she explained. “Without them, both the learning environment and U.S. global influence will suffer.”
Students also voiced alarm. Leo Gerdén, an international student from Sweden, called the move “devastating” in the Harvard Crimson. He urged the university to use all available resources to reverse the decision. “This should be their top priority,” Gerdén emphasized.
A Pattern of Federal Retaliation
This is not the first clash between Harvard and the Trump administration. In May, the government canceled an additional $450 million in federal grants. This followed the earlier cancellation of $2.2 billion in funding. The administration also ordered Harvard to dismantle its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and restrict student protests. Harvard has been pressured to disclose detailed admission information to federal authorities.
The Trump administration’s critics argue that these measures undermine academic freedom. A task force appointed by the president accused Harvard of being too radical. It pointed to the university’s failure to adequately address antisemitism amid protests against Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Harvard faculty and students have also voiced concerns about the negative impact of such political interference.
What’s Next for Harvard and International Academia?
Harvard hosts nearly 6,800 international students, who make up about 27% of its total student body. The university’s ability to recruit international talent could face significant challenges as a result of this policy shift.
As Norris pointed out, this policy may affect not only Harvard but also other U.S. universities. “If international students can’t be sure they’ll be accepted into American institutions, they’ll look elsewhere,” she warned. “The real winners will be places like Oxford and Cambridge. America’s academic standing will weaken as a result.”
